By The hockey world is in mourning following the tragic deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matt in a bicycle accident in their home state of New Jersey. The brothers were struck by a suspected drunk driver on Thursday evening, just a day before their sister’s wedding.
New Jersey State Police reported that the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road in Oldmans Township when the incident occurred around 8 p.m., shortly after sunset. The driver of an SUV, identified as 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck the cyclists from behind. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene, approximately 35 miles south of Philadelphia.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, known affectionately as “Johnny Hockey,” was a standout player for the Columbus Blue Jackets and previously the Calgary Flames. His brother Matt, 29, had also played hockey, with both having attended Boston College. The brothers were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding, scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
Higgins faces serious charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, Higgins admitted to consuming five or six beers prior to the crash and drinking while driving. He failed a field sobriety test and is currently held in Salem County jail, awaiting a pretrial detention hearing on September 5.
The hockey community has been quick to express its shock and sorrow. Jerry York, who coached both Gaudreau brothers at Boston College, described the news as “devastating” in an interview with the Associated Press. “Both Matty and Johnny were terrifically admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys, and they impressed a lot of us off the ice,” York stated.
Johnny Gaudreau’s impact on the sport was significant. At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, he was part of a generation of players who thrived in an era that valued speed and skill over size. He scored over 20 goals six times in his NHL career and was a 115-point player in the 2021-22 season. Gaudreau won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2017 for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of play.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Gaudreau’s contributions to the sport, saying, “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
The Columbus Blue Jackets organization expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played.”
Tributes have poured in from across the sports world, including from NBA superstar LeBron James, who expressed his condolences to the Gaudreau family. Fans have begun leaving flowers and hockey sticks outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus and the Flames’ home rink in Calgary.
This tragedy adds to a series of off-ice losses for the Blue Jackets, coming two years after the death of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks in a fireworks accident.
